Exploring the genetic basis of autoimmune disease through the differential expression of FOXP3 in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) following in dietary sodium.

Style

MacLean, L. K. (2017). Exploring the genetic basis of autoimmune disease through the differential expression of FOXP3 in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) following in dietary sodium. Retrieved from https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:2106

Details:

Exploring the genetic basis of autoimmune disease through the differential expression of FOXP3 in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) following in dietary sodium.

Author

MacLean, Leah Kathleen

Call Number

LE3 .A278 2017

Date

2017

Supervisor

Easy, Russell

Degree Grantor

Acadia University

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Degree Level

Honours

Discipline

Biology

Affiliation

Biology

Abstract

Autoimmunity exhibits a female bias which is consistent across many disorders including multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic lupus erythematous (SLE), and rheumatoid arthritis. However, much of the interplay between environment, sex and autoimmunity is not understood. FoxP3 is the primary transcription factor controlling the development of regulatory T cells (Tregs) which help control the immune system through suppressive effects. This study aims to evaluate how an increase in dietary sodium affects the expression of zFoxP3. Additionally, this study examines if zFoxP3is differentially expressed between males and females. Zebrafish were separated into test and control groups with each group having equal numbers of male and female fish. Following an acclimation period, the diet of the test fish was modified to include a ten-times increase in sodium concentration. Three male and three female zebrafish from each group were sampled at 1, 2, and 4 weeks following the introduction of the increased sodium diet. Total RNA was extracted from gill tissue, followed by cDNA generation. Differential expression of zFoxP3 was evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Analysis of the qPCR results confirm a single product generation, and suggest that zFoxP3is not significantly differentially expressed between different groups. Further analyses will aid to fill gaps in the relationship between causative factors and the development of autoimmunity

Rights

The author grants permission to the University Librarian at Acadia University to reproduce, loan or distribute copies of my thesis in microform, paper or electronic formats on a non-profit basis. The author retains the copyright of the thesis.